The end of the year is critical for fundraising, but that involves more than sending an appeal for Giving Tuesday. Use this six-point checklist to make sure you are covering the bases.

1. Give donors a reason to give now

Your donors will receive a lot of year-end appeals. Make yours meaningful by connecting the gift directly to your mission and explaining what donor support makes possible. Emphasize impact—not simply your organization’s need for money.

2. Reach beyond your usual donors.

Beginning this year, taxpayers who do not itemize may deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash contributions to eligible charities, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. That creates a conversation starter with people who may not traditionally think of charitable giving as part of their tax planning.

Consider incorporating a simple message into your year-end communications: “New for 2026: Even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax return, qualifying cash gifts to charity may provide a tax benefit.”

3. Make it easy to give in more than one way.

Remind donors that, in addition to online donations, your organization may be able to receive gifts of appreciated stock, grants from donor advised funds, and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs for eligible donors. If you have an agency fund with the North Carolina Community Foundation, we may be able to help you accept and process gifts of non-cash assets for your fund with us.

4. Put legacy giving on the year-end menu.

Not every conversation will result in a gift by Dec. 31. Include a gentle legacy message in your communications reminding supporters that they can include your organization in their estate plans. Gifts through a will or trust continue to be the most common. And donors can’t beat the ease of beneficiary designations in retirement accounts, insurance policies or other eligible accounts.

5. Make a list of people who deserve a conversation.

After you send your next donor email newsletter, identify 10 donors who warrant personal attention. Then, forward your newsletter to them with a note that says something like: “Hi Sam! Thanks so much for your support over the years! The second article in our newsletter below might interest you. We’re getting lots of questions from donors about this topic as year-end approaches. I am always happy to jump on a quick call if you have questions!”

This type of personal interaction may lead to a year-end gift, but it may also lead to something much more significant.

6. Follow up in January.

Be sure to thank donors promptly and personally. Tell them what their support will help accomplish. Pay attention to new donors and those who increased giving.

The strongest year-end fundraising strategy isn’t really about year-end at all. It’s about using a moment when generosity is top of mind to strengthen relationships that can support your mission for generations to come.

Please reach out to the NCCF team at any time. We are honored to partner with so many amazing nonprofit organizations across the state that are making our communities stronger.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.